Andy Griffith's cause of death revealed as Ron Howard remembers his TV father

According to his death certificate, TV icon
Andy Griffith's cause of death was a heart attack that he suffered 24 hours before he passed away. CNN
reports that Griffith was struck by the attack on Monday morning, just the day before he died at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, at home in North Carolina.

Griffith, who was 86 years old, had a history of heart issues -- he was plagued by coronary artery disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Griffith was buried just five hours after he passed away, per his own wishes. According to sources, the funeral arrangements had been planned for some time as Griffith aged.

He's certainly well remembered -- even Barack and Michelle Obama issued a statement about Griffith's passing, "Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Griffith this morning. A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps. He brought us characters from Sheriff Andy Taylor to Ben Matlock, and in the process, warmed the hearts of Americans everywhere. Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy's family," Obama wrote.

The most touching tribute, perhaps, is the one from Griffith's TV son Ron Howard, who wrote to TV Guide about his memories of Griffith. Read his
statement here.